Kuro




 * For the Kuroshima near Kagoshima, Kyushu, see Mishima Islands.

Kuro Island (黒島 Kuroshima), often referred to by its full Japanese name Kuroshima, is one of the smaller of the Yaeyama Islands of Japan.

Understand
This island is famous for cattle and there are about 3000 cows in this island in spite of the fact that there are only 200 people. This island is completely away from modern life. for example, there are no convenience stores, no signal on the street, etc. There is just one very small general store and a few cafes. What the island does have is a beautiful beach, maybe more beautiful than those on Okinawa Island, and some pretty good snorkeling. Plus, as there are few people on the beach, and it will be rather private.

By boat
There are five to six daily departures from Ishigaki, depending on the season, and the travel time is about 25 minutes.

Get around
Bicycles are the recommended way of getting around the island, letting you get from one side to the other in less than half an hour. Bicycles and motorbikes can be rented at the port. Walking is possible, but takes a lot longer.

See
To begin with, there are cows. Cows, everywhere. If you're from a big city and haven't been around them much, this will get you excited.



Buy
There is one very small general goods store with a small selection of snacks and produce, located at the north end of the village in the middle of the island. You can find it labeled on some of the tourist maps as just "Store". Locals take the ferry to Ishagaki to do most of their shopping.

Eat and drink
There are at least a couple small cafes scattered around the island, but not many. You will probably come across one if you're cycling around.

Go next
Unless you have your own boat, the only place to go from here is back to Ishigaki!